Dennis Turner

Dennis Turner, 58, lead pastor of Christ Church in Wichita, Kansas, entered his heavenly home on September 4, 2021. A celebration of his life will be held outdoors at 10:00 am on Friday, September 10, at Christ Church, 14242 E. 21st St. N. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets and dress comfortably for outdoors.

Dennis was born on November 12, 1962 in Kirksville, Missouri to Duane and Peggy Turner. As a young boy he grew up on the family farm in LaPlata, MO and loved hunting, fishing, and riding horses. Basically, anything he could do outdoors.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Cathy Ann Mack, on August 7, 1982. They began working to develop their farm in Missouri until the Lord called them into ministry, shortly after having their firstborn son, Joshua Austin Turner. The Lord then took them to Florida to prepare for ministry. During that time they had their daughter, Lauren Nicole Turner. Once Dennis graduated with his degree in pastoral ministry the Lord called them to Wichita, KS where he took a staff position at Central Community Church. Then in the fall of 1993 he and his wife planted Eastside Community Church, now known as Christ Church.

The people that brought him the most joy were his wife, kids, and grandkids. He loved traveling the world with his wife, taking his grandkids out for ice cream, smoking ribs for his family, hunting and fishing with his son, wood working, and laughing with those he loved. Dennis genuinely cared and loved many in the community and around the world. He was an encourager, mentor, shepherd, and friend. One who knew how to find the best in people and bring it out of them.

He served as the state chairman of the Church of God of Kansas, was involved in starting the Wichita Prayer Movement, served churches and pastors all around the world in Israel, India, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, and Africa.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Duane Turner. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cathy Turner; son, Josh (Amy) Turner of Hesston, KS; daughter, Lauren (David) Carrillo of Wichita; mother, Peggy Turner of LaPlata, MO; sister, Pam (Wayne) Fry of McFall, MO; brother, Matthew (Andrea) Turner of LaPlata, MO; and 9 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dennis’ name with Christ Church, and will be distributed to ministry partners around the world. Share condolences at www.cozine.com.